GUIDE TO BOXING IN TORONTO [FIFTH EDITION]
Star ratings are given to gyms that I have attended, along with a review.
Otherwise, published information about the club will be listed.
EAST OF YONGE STREET
Ashukian's Academy of Boxing
485 McNicoll Ave. (Victoria Park Ave. at Gordon Baker Road) http://ashukianboxing.com/
Body By Chosen
195 Church Street (at Dundas St. East) https://www.bodybychosen.com/
Cabbagetown Boxing Club
2 Lancaster Ave. (Parliament St. at Winchester St.)
(see 'Rated Gyms')
Centre Ring
22 Balliol St. (Yonge St. at Davisville Ave.) https://www.centrering.com/
Clancy's Boxing Academy
100 Sunrise Ave. (O'Connor Dr. and Eglinton Ave.) http://clancysboxingacademy.com/
Clubb Canada
15 Grand Marshall Dr. (Morningside Ave. at Sheppard Ave. East) http://www.clubbcanada.com/
Combative Concepts Boxing Club
1211 Kennedy Road (at Lawrence Ave. East) https://combativeconceptsama.ca
Gideon Boxing Academy
21 Progress Ave. (at Kennedy Road) http://www.gideonboxingacademy.com/
Hard Knocks Boxing Club
385A Queen St. East (at Parliament St.) http://www.hardknocksboxingclub.com/
Rev MMA
150 Lesmill Road (Leslie St. at York Mills Road) https://revmma.com/
Toronto Newsgirls
388 Carlaw Ave. (at Gerrard St. East) www.torontonewsgirls.com/
WEST OF YONGE STREET
Bloor Street Fitness and Boxing
2595 Dundas St. West (at Bloor St. West)
(see 'Rated Gyms')
Kingsway Boxing Club
22 Jutland Road (Kipling Ave. at North Queen St.)
(see 'Rated Gyms')
MJKO
186 Cowan Ave. (King St. West at Dufferin St.) https://mjko.ca/
Stockyards Boxing and Fitness
215 Ryding Ave. (Runnymede Road at St. Clair Ave. West)
(see 'Rated Gyms')
Sully's Boxing Gym
1554 Dundas St. W. (at Dufferin St.) http://www.sullysboxinggym.com/
Toronto Boxing Academy
2389 St Clair Ave. West (at Runnymede Road)
(see 'Rated Gyms')
United Boxing Club
1034 Bloor St. West (at Dufferin St.) https://www.unitedboxing.club/
University of Toronto Boxing Club
Faculty of Physical Education (on campus) https://thevarsity.ca/2015/11/23/in-photos-u-of-t-boxing-club/
Xtreme Couture Toronto
700 Kipling Ave. (at North Queen St.)
(see 'Rated Gyms')
NORTH OF OR NEAR HWY 401
Atlas Boxing Club
100 Bridgeland Ave. (Dufferin St. at HWY 401) https://atlasboxing.wordpress.com/
Grants Rival Boxing Club
4884 Dufferin St.(at Steeles Ave.) https://grantmma.ca/
Scarbarian Boxing Club
2250 Midland Ave. (at HWY 401) http://www.scarberianboxing.com/
Siberia Boxing Club
115 Dolomite Dr. (Dufferin St. at Finch Ave.) http://siberia-boxing.com/
REVIEWED GYMS
(Gyms I have attended for at least 6 months and can provide a fair commentary)
$ Price Tag should be used as a guide only as some of these include additional options such as personal training sessions and more classes. Also, in some cases fees can be negotiated at the time of sign-up.
Price Tag in "For Sale" and "Other Services" categories are based on an average that all gyms charge for the specified item or service.
RATED CATEGORIES
.
★★★★★ ACCEPTABLE, MEETS EXPECTATIONS
★★★★☆ GETTING THERE
★★★☆☆ NEEDS WORK
★★☆☆☆ UNACCEPTABLE, WELL BELOW EXPECTATIONS
★☆☆☆☆ HOW ARE YOU STILL IN BUSINESS?
☆☆☆☆☆ ZERO, SERIOUS INFRACTION
POINTS VS. STARS
Each star represents two points. Each gym starts off with 10 points in each category and points are subtracted for each infraction. One or two points are deducted for each infraction depending on the seriousness. For every two points, a gym loses in a category that will equal one star. Some infractions are so serious that a gym will immediately lose all points for that category.
The average rating of all categories is at the top next to the name of the gym and the Price Tag.
MY EXPECTATIONS
Coaches and instructors represent a business and therefore are expected to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. They should be patient with the athletes as not everyone learns at the same pace. They should also be open to questions that relate directly to training. Being sarcastic, making noises, rolling eyes, yelling and singling-out or anything else that may make an athlete uncomfortable must be avoided. Also, coaches should be fair and treat all athletes equally, and not play favorites. There must also be at least one certified coach working at the gym. All this is covered in the Coaching category.
Athletes who qualify should be offered to compete on a regular basis. This is dependent upon a boxer's division, but the average is four times per year. The percentage given to a gym in this category is based on this formula. Therefore, it is possible for a gym to score higher than 100%.
If classes are crowded to the point where it isn't safe or people are rejected from taking a class due to being over capacity, this will count against a gym in the Class Size/Availability category.
Classes must be intriguing and defined. If all of the classes are exactly the same or boring, the gym will lose points in the Class Quality category. This category is specifically for boxing classes. Fitness classes are not rated in this guide.
The Sparring Availability category is generally for competitive boxers. The expectation is that competing boxers should spar at least 10 rounds per week with a coach available to watch and critique the sparring sessions. If a boxer can not spar enough, or the coaches do not properly critique the sparring, it will cost points in this category.
In the Boxers Get Priority section anything except a 'NO' will not affect the overall score of the gym. A 'NO' will negatively affect the score because it means that the boxers may not be able to train properly when the gym is crowded. A 'YES' means that competitive boxers are given priority use of the gym and its contents. 'SHARED' means that the boxers can equally and safely share with other users. 'NO' means that boxers must give-way for other users when requested by management.
NOTE ON SPARRING
In most cases, open sparring is required for competitors. It is usually not required for anyone else.
In order to spar, you need to have a valid Boxing Ontario registration and a medical clearance from a recognized medical professional.
RATED BOXING GYMS
Bloor Street Fitness and Boxing $$ ★★☆☆☆
2295 Dundas St.West (at Bloor St.) http://www.bloorstreetfitness.com/
PARKING: NO
PUBLIC TRANSIT: DUNDAS WEST SUBWAY STATION
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS ✓
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL ✓
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ✓
FREE WEIGHTS ✓
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING X
3/4-SIZED RING ✓
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ~ not always available
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ~ not always available
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETIVTE BOXERS ~ limited
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING X
3/4-SIZED RING ✓
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FREINDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS X
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING X
PERSONAL COACHING X
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $
GATORADE X
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR ✓ $$
APPAREL ✓ $$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE
HOURS: Limited. 6 days, about 4 hours per day. Closed on holidays and Sundays.
COACHING ★★☆☆☆
Coaches seem to miss a lot of basics and do not really care much about the advancement of the boxers.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 100%
I was offered to compete 2 times in the 6 months I was there, which is right on average.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★★★★
Classes are a good size, but not too large to be uncomfortable.
CLASS QUALITY ★★★★☆
Classes offer a good variety and are engaging, but it seems that sometimes the instructors lack interest. A serious fault, so 2 points off for this category.
Competitive boxers are not required to take classes.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★★☆☆
There are no scheduled sparring sessions, but boxers can spar anytime there is a coach available. However, sometimes coaches are not available. Coaches do not offer feedback on sparring sessions. Sparring does not even seem to be a requirement. This gym lost 4 points in the category since they seem to have a questionable attitude towards sparring.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: YES
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 2
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 5
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 3:1
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Xtreme Couture Toronto $$$$$ ★☆☆☆☆
700 Kipling Ave. (at North Queen St.) https://xtremecouture.ca/
PARKING: YES
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 44 KIPLING SOUTH BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS ✓
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL ✓
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ✓
FREE WEIGHTS ✓
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING ✓ **
3/4-SIZED RING X
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ~ not always available
WATER BAG ✓
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG ✓
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY X
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS X
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING X
SPARRING DRILLS ✓
**Sometimes the ring is divided into two or four to accommodate populous sparring sessions.
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS ✓ $$$
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓ $$$$
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$$$$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $$
GATORADE ✓ $$
JUICES/SMOOTHIES ✓ $$$$
HEALTHY SNACKS ✓ $$$$
GEAR ✓ $$$$$
APPAREL ✓ $$$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: FREQUENTLY BROKEN EQUIPMENT
HOURS: 24 hours 5 days, about 12 hours per day on weekends and holidays.
COACHING ★☆☆☆☆
Coaching has a few major flaws at this gym. Quite often, questions from athletes are answered with sarcasm or of the singling-out of an athlete in front of others. This is major and costs this gym 4 points (2 stars) in this category.
Another issue is that it is obvious that the "coaches" obviously do not know how to coach. Knowing how to box does not mean that you can coach. Coaching is a completely different skill. They hide this fact by trying to teach "advanced" skills that most amateur boxers will never use, but they are missing the basics. This is serious, so 2 points off.
Another big issue is the lack of communication. Coaches do not communicate properly with the athletes either by relaying information too late, through too many channels, or not at all. This is serious, so this gym lost another 2 points in this category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 125%
I was offered 5 bouts in a year. Slightly above average.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★☆☆☆
Classes are often crowded.
CLASS QUALITY ★☆☆☆☆
Classes are boring and are not refined. Beginner's classes, intermediate classes, advanced classes, and competitor's classes are all exactly the same. Repetitive drills that never change and may not be useful for all attendees. Competitive boxers need to be tweaked. These classes will not help the competitors, although classes are required for competitive boxers.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★☆☆☆
Sparring is during scheduled times only, so if you can't make it at the sparring time, you miss sparring for that week. Also, coaches rarely provide feedback on sparring. Open sparring is required for competitive boxers. Light sparring is not offered or recommended.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: YES
Boxers have a dedicated training area.
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 2
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 12
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 6:1
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That is all for this edition of 'The Brick's Guide To Boxing In Toronto'.
For additions and corrections please email of if your gym has not been rated and would like it to be, or you would like your gym to be re-rated please email HERE.
Re-ratings and corrections will be accepted for 60 days after publication. After that time, edits will have to wait until the next edition in October 2020.
Boxing gyms that I currently attend are exempt from submitting requests for re-reviews.
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETIVTE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ~ limited
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS ✓
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓ $$
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $ (vending vachine)
GATORADE X
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS ✓ $$ (vending machine)
GEAR ✓ $$$
APPAREL ✓ $$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: FREQUENTLY BROKEN EQUIPMENT
HOURS: 24/7 for members only (visitors and guests are not allowed after posted hours).
.
COACHING ★☆☆☆☆
This gym was without a boxing coach for a long time after Rick Soucé left to start his own gym. Since then, there has been a continuous revolving door of coaches. Until a coach finally settles-in, the quality of coaching will be questionable.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★★★★
Classes for boxing are generally small and frequent.
CLASS QUALITY ★☆☆☆☆
Unlike most gyms, this gym does not require boxers to take classes, but it is "recommended". However, the class instructors (not coaches) seem to have a lack of interest in their classes and seem "forced" to conduct classes.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★☆☆☆☆
There are a few sparring sessions for competitive boxers, but the general rule is that no sparring of any kind is allowed.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 0%
I had never been offered the chance to compete over a period of 1 year.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: NO
Fitness classes get priority unless a boxing class is in session.
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 1
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 8
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 8:1
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Cabbagetown Boxing Club $ ★★★★☆ NEW REVIEW
2 Lancaster Ave. (Parliament St. at Wellesley St. E.) http://www.cabbagetownboxing.on.ca/
PARKING: LIMITED
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 65 PARLIAMENT BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS ✓
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ✓
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING ✓ **
3/4-SIZED RING X
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG ✓
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG ✓
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY ~ some coaches
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS ✓
**Sometimes the ring is divided into two or four to accommodate populous sparring sessions.
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓ $$
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $
GATORADE ✓ $
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR ✓ $$$$ (Sold via Morales Boxing)
APPAREL ✓ $$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE
HOURS: Two sessions on weekdays, morning and evenings. Mornings only on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on statutory holidays*.
*Competitor's-only classes are sometimes offered on holidays (by invitation only).
COACHING ★★★☆☆
The overall quality of coaching is outstanding. Coaches are very observant and will step in when they see when an athlete needs attention. Coaches are also very patient. They allow athletes to learn at their own pace. That attitude is impressive and is rarely found in boxing coaches.
However, the coaches at this gym are not without faults and there are two major ones.
One of the coaches was observed instructing a boxer to break one of the rules of boxing and then saying "If you get called for it, just don't do it again." It is never acceptable for a coach to tell an athlete that it is okay to cheat. Good sportsmanship and fair play should be standard for all coaches and enforced on all of the athletes. This is serious and costs this gym 2 points (one star) from the Coaching category.
The second issue with coaching at this gym is that the coaches' expectations are not made clear to the athletes. Coaches have expectations of their athletes in order to allow them to compete. These expectations allow athletes to set goals. The more often an athlete competes, the higher the goals should be set. Without these expectations, the athletes have no goals, and without goals, there is no point in training. This gym needs more transparency between the general coaches and the head coach. The head coach needs to know how his athletes are performing, so he can make a decision based on athletic performance instead of his opinion. This is also serious, and so 2 points (one star) were removed for this category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 0%
I had never been offered the chance to compete over a period of 15 months.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★★★★
Classes are generally small and are always available provided that you are on time to attend.
CLASS QUALITY ★★★★★
The classes are engaging and contain a good mix of fitness and technical boxing. Competitive boxers are required to take classes in order to compete.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★★★☆
This gym has scheduled sparring times, but you can also spar at other times if you can find a partner and there is a coach available to supervise. There are sometimes no decent sparring partners, and sometimes a coach is not available. This is rare, and so this gym only lost two points for this category.
Open sparring is required for competitive boxers, but not for others. Light sparring is allowed for everyone.
Coaches often offer feedback on sparring sessions for competitive boxers.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: SHARED
Competitors and recreational boxers train simultaneously.
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 7
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 20
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 3:1
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Kingsway Boxing Club $$$ ★☆☆☆☆
22 Jutland Road (Kipling Ave. at North Queen St.) https://kingswayboxingclub.com/
PARKING: LIMITED
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 44 KIPLING SOUTH BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS ✓
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ~ limited
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING ✓
3/4-SIZED RING X
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG ✓
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG X
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY X
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ✓
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS ✓
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING X
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $
GATORADE X
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR X
APPAREL ✓ $$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE
HOURS: Limited. 6 days, about 3 hours per day. Closed on holidays and Sunday.
COACHING ★☆☆☆☆
Coaches have no patience which makes it very difficult to learn. Not learning fast enough often results in a coach making rude noises or eye-rolling. Since the coaches have to have patience, it also means that they would not be good with beginners. Since coaching is all about being calm and allowing people to learn at their own pace, this gym lost 8 points in the Coaching category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 0%
In the 6 months, I was there, I was not offered the chance to compete.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★★★★
Very few attend the classes, making them very available.
CLASS QUALITY ★☆☆☆☆
A class generally consisted of a bunch of us climbing into the ring and having a coach belt out one set of instructions and then take off for the rest of the session.
Competitive boxers are required to take classes in order to compete.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★☆☆☆☆
Sparring is almost non-existent, and when it is there was little if any feedback from any of the coaches. Open sparring is required for competitive boxers. "Tap Sparring" is offered to those who do not qualify for open sparring.
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 3
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 14
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 5:1
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Stockyards Boxing and Fitness $$$ ★★★☆☆
215 Ryding Ave. (Runnymede Road at St. Clair Ave. West) http://stockyardsboxingandfitness.com/
PARKING: YES
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 189 STOCKYARDS BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS X
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ~ limited
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING X
3/4-SIZED RING ✓
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS ✓
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓ $$
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $ (vending vachine)
GATORADE X
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS ✓ $$ (vending machine)
GEAR ✓ $$$
APPAREL ✓ $$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: FREQUENTLY BROKEN EQUIPMENT
HOURS: 24/7 for members only (visitors and guests are not allowed after posted hours).
.
COACHING ★☆☆☆☆
This gym was without a boxing coach for a long time after Rick Soucé left to start his own gym. Since then, there has been a continuous revolving door of coaches. Until a coach finally settles-in, the quality of coaching will be questionable.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★★★★
Classes for boxing are generally small and frequent.
CLASS QUALITY ★☆☆☆☆
Unlike most gyms, this gym does not require boxers to take classes, but it is "recommended". However, the class instructors (not coaches) seem to have a lack of interest in their classes and seem "forced" to conduct classes.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★☆☆☆☆
There are a few sparring sessions for competitive boxers, but the general rule is that no sparring of any kind is allowed.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 0%
I had never been offered the chance to compete over a period of 1 year.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: NO
Fitness classes get priority unless a boxing class is in session.
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 1
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 8
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 8:1
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2 Lancaster Ave. (Parliament St. at Wellesley St. E.) http://www.cabbagetownboxing.on.ca/
PARKING: LIMITED
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 65 PARLIAMENT BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS ✓
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ✓
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING ✓ **
3/4-SIZED RING X
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG ✓
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG ✓
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY ~ some coaches
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS ✓
**Sometimes the ring is divided into two or four to accommodate populous sparring sessions.
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓ $$
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $
GATORADE ✓ $
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR ✓ $$$$ (Sold via Morales Boxing)
APPAREL ✓ $$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE
HOURS: Two sessions on weekdays, morning and evenings. Mornings only on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on statutory holidays*.
*Competitor's-only classes are sometimes offered on holidays (by invitation only).
COACHING ★★★☆☆
The overall quality of coaching is outstanding. Coaches are very observant and will step in when they see when an athlete needs attention. Coaches are also very patient. They allow athletes to learn at their own pace. That attitude is impressive and is rarely found in boxing coaches.
However, the coaches at this gym are not without faults and there are two major ones.
One of the coaches was observed instructing a boxer to break one of the rules of boxing and then saying "If you get called for it, just don't do it again." It is never acceptable for a coach to tell an athlete that it is okay to cheat. Good sportsmanship and fair play should be standard for all coaches and enforced on all of the athletes. This is serious and costs this gym 2 points (one star) from the Coaching category.
The second issue with coaching at this gym is that the coaches' expectations are not made clear to the athletes. Coaches have expectations of their athletes in order to allow them to compete. These expectations allow athletes to set goals. The more often an athlete competes, the higher the goals should be set. Without these expectations, the athletes have no goals, and without goals, there is no point in training. This gym needs more transparency between the general coaches and the head coach. The head coach needs to know how his athletes are performing, so he can make a decision based on athletic performance instead of his opinion. This is also serious, and so 2 points (one star) were removed for this category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 0%
I had never been offered the chance to compete over a period of 15 months.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★★★★
Classes are generally small and are always available provided that you are on time to attend.
CLASS QUALITY ★★★★★
The classes are engaging and contain a good mix of fitness and technical boxing. Competitive boxers are required to take classes in order to compete.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★★★☆
This gym has scheduled sparring times, but you can also spar at other times if you can find a partner and there is a coach available to supervise. There are sometimes no decent sparring partners, and sometimes a coach is not available. This is rare, and so this gym only lost two points for this category.
Open sparring is required for competitive boxers, but not for others. Light sparring is allowed for everyone.
Coaches often offer feedback on sparring sessions for competitive boxers.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: SHARED
Competitors and recreational boxers train simultaneously.
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 7
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 20
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 3:1
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Kingsway Boxing Club $$$ ★☆☆☆☆
22 Jutland Road (Kipling Ave. at North Queen St.) https://kingswayboxingclub.com/
PARKING: LIMITED
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 44 KIPLING SOUTH BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS ✓
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ~ limited
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING ✓
3/4-SIZED RING X
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG ✓
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG X
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY X
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ✓
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS ✓
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING X
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $
GATORADE X
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR X
APPAREL ✓ $$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE
HOURS: Limited. 6 days, about 3 hours per day. Closed on holidays and Sunday.
COACHING ★☆☆☆☆
Coaches have no patience which makes it very difficult to learn. Not learning fast enough often results in a coach making rude noises or eye-rolling. Since the coaches have to have patience, it also means that they would not be good with beginners. Since coaching is all about being calm and allowing people to learn at their own pace, this gym lost 8 points in the Coaching category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 0%
In the 6 months, I was there, I was not offered the chance to compete.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★★★★
Very few attend the classes, making them very available.
CLASS QUALITY ★☆☆☆☆
A class generally consisted of a bunch of us climbing into the ring and having a coach belt out one set of instructions and then take off for the rest of the session.
Competitive boxers are required to take classes in order to compete.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★☆☆☆☆
Sparring is almost non-existent, and when it is there was little if any feedback from any of the coaches. Open sparring is required for competitive boxers. "Tap Sparring" is offered to those who do not qualify for open sparring.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: YES
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 3
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 14
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 5:1
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Stockyards Boxing and Fitness $$$ ★★★☆☆
215 Ryding Ave. (Runnymede Road at St. Clair Ave. West) http://stockyardsboxingandfitness.com/
PARKING: YES
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 189 STOCKYARDS BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS X
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ~ limited
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING X
3/4-SIZED RING ✓
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS X
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓ $
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $
GATORADE X
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR ✓ $$
APPAREL ✓ $
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE
HOURS: Limited. 7 days, about 5 hours per day. Closed on holidays.
COACHING ★★★☆☆
Coaching is not the worst, but I have experienced better. One annoyance is that there is no transparency between coaches, so athletes may get mixed and confusing instructions from different coaches. This is fairly serious, and cost this gym 4 points in the Coaching category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 75%
I was offered 6 bouts in 2 years which is slightly below average.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★☆☆☆
Classes are too large for the space available, making classes uncomfortable and unsafe. This gym lost 6 points in this category due to the safety issues of trying to conduct classes and boxing training at the same time in such a small space.
CLASS QUALITY ★★★★★
Classes contain a good mix of technical boxing and fitness. Although, there is more emphasis on boxing.
Competitive boxers are required to take classes in order to compete.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★★☆☆
There are no dedicated sparring classes but the competitive boxers can usually spar anytime a certified coach is on duty, making sparring more accessible to more of the boxers. Although, coaches do not offer feedback on the sparring sessions which cost this gym 4 points in this category. Open sparring is required for competitors. However, light sparring is not offered nor recommended.
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 3
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 8
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 3:1
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Toronto Boxing Academy $$$ ★★☆☆☆
2389 St Clair Ave. West (at Runnymede Road) www.torontoboxingacademy.ca/
PARKING: NO
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 189 STOCKYARDS BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS X
CHANGE ROOMS X
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS X
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓ $
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $
GATORADE X
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR ✓ $$
APPAREL ✓ $
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE
HOURS: Limited. 7 days, about 5 hours per day. Closed on holidays.
COACHING ★★★☆☆
Coaching is not the worst, but I have experienced better. One annoyance is that there is no transparency between coaches, so athletes may get mixed and confusing instructions from different coaches. This is fairly serious, and cost this gym 4 points in the Coaching category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 75%
I was offered 6 bouts in 2 years which is slightly below average.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★☆☆☆
Classes are too large for the space available, making classes uncomfortable and unsafe. This gym lost 6 points in this category due to the safety issues of trying to conduct classes and boxing training at the same time in such a small space.
CLASS QUALITY ★★★★★
Classes contain a good mix of technical boxing and fitness. Although, there is more emphasis on boxing.
Competitive boxers are required to take classes in order to compete.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★★☆☆
There are no dedicated sparring classes but the competitive boxers can usually spar anytime a certified coach is on duty, making sparring more accessible to more of the boxers. Although, coaches do not offer feedback on the sparring sessions which cost this gym 4 points in this category. Open sparring is required for competitors. However, light sparring is not offered nor recommended.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: NO
Fitness classes get priority unless a boxing class is in session.TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 3
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 8
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 3:1
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Toronto Boxing Academy $$$ ★★☆☆☆
2389 St Clair Ave. West (at Runnymede Road) www.torontoboxingacademy.ca/
PARKING: NO
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 189 STOCKYARDS BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS X
CHANGE ROOMS X
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL X
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ~ limited
FREE WEIGHTS ~ limited
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING X
3/4-SIZED RING ✓
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ✓
WATER BAG X
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG X
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FREINDLY ✓
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS ~ limited
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING ✓
SPARRING DRILLS X
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS X
PERSONAL TRAINING X
PERSONAL COACHING X
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $
GATORADE X
JUICES/SMOOTHIES X
HEALTHY SNACKS X
GEAR ✓ $$
APPAREL ✓ $$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: ACCEPTABLE
HOURS: Limited. 6 days, about 4 hours per day. Closed on holidays and Sundays.
COACHING ★★☆☆☆
Coaches seem to miss a lot of basics and do not really care much about the advancement of the boxers.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 100%
I was offered to compete 2 times in the 6 months I was there, which is right on average.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★★★★
Classes are a good size, but not too large to be uncomfortable.
CLASS QUALITY ★★★★☆
Classes offer a good variety and are engaging, but it seems that sometimes the instructors lack interest. A serious fault, so 2 points off for this category.
Competitive boxers are not required to take classes.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★★☆☆
There are no scheduled sparring sessions, but boxers can spar anytime there is a coach available. However, sometimes coaches are not available. Coaches do not offer feedback on sparring sessions. Sparring does not even seem to be a requirement. This gym lost 4 points in the category since they seem to have a questionable attitude towards sparring.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: YES
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 2
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 5
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 3:1
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Xtreme Couture Toronto $$$$$ ★☆☆☆☆
700 Kipling Ave. (at North Queen St.) https://xtremecouture.ca/
PUBLIC TRANSIT: 44 KIPLING SOUTH BUS
AMENITIES FOR ALL
SHOWERS ✓
CHANGE ROOMS ✓
PADDED FLOOR ✓
MATS ✓
WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE REFILL ✓
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ✓
FREE WEIGHTS ✓
AMENITIES FOR BOXERS
FULL-SIZED RING ✓ **
3/4-SIZED RING X
HEAVY BAGS ✓
SPEED BAG ~ not always available
WATER BAG ✓
UPPERCUT BAG X
SUSPENDED BAG ✓
DOUBLE-ENDED BAG ✓
ELECTRONIC (TRACKING) BAG X
MIRRORS ✓
CERTIFIED COACH ✓
BOXING ONTARIO RECOGNIZED ✓
MASTERS (OVER 35) FRIENDLY X
BEGINNER'S FRIENDLY X
DEDICATED CLASSES FOR COMPETITIVE BOXERS X
OPEN SPARRING (FULL-CONTACT) ✓
LIGHT SPARRING X
SPARRING DRILLS ✓
**Sometimes the ring is divided into two or four to accommodate populous sparring sessions.
OTHER SERVICES
TOWELS ✓ $$$
PERSONAL TRAINING ✓ $$$$
PERSONAL COACHING ✓ $$$$$
FOR SALE
WATER ✓ $$
GATORADE ✓ $$
JUICES/SMOOTHIES ✓ $$$$
HEALTHY SNACKS ✓ $$$$
GEAR ✓ $$$$$
APPAREL ✓ $$$
EQUIPMENT IN GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AND SAFE: FREQUENTLY BROKEN EQUIPMENT
HOURS: 24 hours 5 days, about 12 hours per day on weekends and holidays.
COACHING ★☆☆☆☆
Coaching has a few major flaws at this gym. Quite often, questions from athletes are answered with sarcasm or of the singling-out of an athlete in front of others. This is major and costs this gym 4 points (2 stars) in this category.
Another issue is that it is obvious that the "coaches" obviously do not know how to coach. Knowing how to box does not mean that you can coach. Coaching is a completely different skill. They hide this fact by trying to teach "advanced" skills that most amateur boxers will never use, but they are missing the basics. This is serious, so 2 points off.
Another big issue is the lack of communication. Coaches do not communicate properly with the athletes either by relaying information too late, through too many channels, or not at all. This is serious, so this gym lost another 2 points in this category.
OFFERS TO COMPETE: 125%
I was offered 5 bouts in a year. Slightly above average.
CLASS SIZE/AVAILABILITY ★★☆☆☆
Classes are often crowded.
CLASS QUALITY ★☆☆☆☆
Classes are boring and are not refined. Beginner's classes, intermediate classes, advanced classes, and competitor's classes are all exactly the same. Repetitive drills that never change and may not be useful for all attendees. Competitive boxers need to be tweaked. These classes will not help the competitors, although classes are required for competitive boxers.
SPARRING AVAILABILITY ★★☆☆☆
Sparring is during scheduled times only, so if you can't make it at the sparring time, you miss sparring for that week. Also, coaches rarely provide feedback on sparring. Open sparring is required for competitive boxers. Light sparring is not offered or recommended.
BOXERS GET PRIORITY: YES
Boxers have a dedicated training area.
TOTAL NUMBER OF COACHES: 2
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS (average): 12
ATHLETE-TO-COACH RATIO (average): 6:1
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That is all for this edition of 'The Brick's Guide To Boxing In Toronto'.
For additions and corrections please email of if your gym has not been rated and would like it to be, or you would like your gym to be re-rated please email HERE.
Re-ratings and corrections will be accepted for 60 days after publication. After that time, edits will have to wait until the next edition in October 2020.
Boxing gyms that I currently attend are exempt from submitting requests for re-reviews.
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